Miriam Elaine Fonley

Miriam Elaine (Schroeder) Fonley was born November 29, 1931, to Gertie and Will Schroeder. Her elementary education took place in a country schoolhouse. Her public education began as an 8th grader in Spencer. Outside of school and church Miriam was a farm girl, working with her parents in all farm activities. Early on, she learned how to preserve the produce from their large garden. When she was young, Miriam would use “rags” to make patterns for her doll clothes and then she would sew them together. Her sewing skills advanced quickly, and she was soon able to sew her own clothes, as well as her mother’s clothing.

Following high school graduation, Miriam attended Westmar College in Le Mars, IA. She graduated in 1949 with a teaching degree. Miriam met Duane Fonley, first at a conference while at Westmar and then at Cornell School where they both held teaching positions.

Miriam and Duane married on May 23, 1954. They settled on the farm where Duane farmed with Will and Gertie, along with his teaching job. After 2 years, they purchased a home in Spencer. Miriam was busy working in their new home as well as continuing with her varied interests. She excelled in sewing, crocheting, knitting, canning and baking. Duane and Miriam both enjoyed auctions where they could get bargains that they restored.

In 1964, Duane began his floral business. Miriam worked alongside her husband in the floral shop while continuing to care for their home and three daughters. While Duane concentrated on the floral business, Miriam was left to handle their rentals. She became skilled at hanging wallpaper and painting.

After 40 years they retired from Flowers by Fonley. In 2013 Duane passed away and Miriam was alone. Miriam continued with her passions, especially her gardening and quilting. She has made over 500 quilts and piece work in her 93 years. She designed many of her own patterns for her quilts. The quilt on her casket is one which she designed. The quilt within the casket is made with men’s ties as is the Christmas stocking.

Miriam’s family has been blessed with many beautiful pieces of her sewing and quilting. She was a very talented and skilled person that could accomplish almost anything.

Miriam passed away on November 4, 2025 at the age of 93. She was a spark of energy with a dry sense of humor.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Gertie and Will Schroeder; her sister, Lola; her husband, Duane; her two sons-in-law, Jeffrey Franker and David Edmonds; and one great grandchild, Sophia VanDerVliet.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters: Myrna Edmonds, Lonelle Franker, Cleone (Glenn) Rouse: 9 grandchildren; Joshua (Tiffani) Edmonds, Brandon (Monica) Edmonds, Gabriel (Julie) Franker, Eli (Sara) Franker, Jacob (Ashley) Franker, Caitlynn (Christian) VanDerVliet, Emily Rouse, Taylor (Doug) Albert, and Jaden Parish; 19 great grandchildren; Katie McCarty, David and Maja Edmonds, Rex and Barret Edmonds, Jeffrey Franker, Lincoln, Harrison, and Hayes Franker, Jace and Adalynn Franker, Kinnick, Trice and Carver Albert, Johnathan, William and Everett VanDerVliet, and Saylor and Rylee Parish.